From Fan to producer, Val John brings Korean Star Rain back to Manila

Val John, Cultural Diplomat of the Korean Cultural Center, loves anything Korean. From its history and culture, language, food, fashion, and cosmetics and of course K-Pop and K-dramas . Because of its popularity the Korean culture has pervaded the consciousness of Filipinos.

Some spend huge amount of money to visit Korea or attend a K-Pop concert. Others join dance cover competitions that would give them a once in a lifetime chance to compete with other foreign finalists in Korea.

Val John, who graduated from Ateneo graduate was the Philippines’ representative in the 2015 K-Pop World Festival held in Changwon, South Korea. Val John is a self-confessed fan of Rain, Korea’s King of Pop. “His dance moves are amazing,” he answered when asked why he likes the Korean superstar.

His enthusiasm about anything and everything Korean started when he was in high school. He is a good friend of Sandara Park’s brother Park Sang-Hyun (known by his stage name Thunder) whom he met while they were undergoing ABS-CBN workshops. Val John was a volunteer of the Korean Cultural Center in 2010 and studied the Korean language in 2011. He lived in Korea for four years where he trained in singing and dancing, did some business, and learned more about the language.

Val John turned his passion for everything Korean into another worthwhile endeavor. He is one of the performers and concert producers of Rise 2 Shine Benefit Concert featuring his idol, Rain, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on November 3 (Friday), 8pm. Joining them onstage are Sam Concepcion, Jay R, Kris Lawrence, Miko and Gab, Loisa Andalio, Isabelle de Leon, Jinho Bae, Dasuri Choi, Krissha Viaje, Bendeatha, and Cursebox. Miko and Gab will be the opening act of Rise 2 Shine.

The event is presented by Ko-Ph World Foundation, Yeppunonnie, and Ouniwang. This is for the benefit of Marawi, MYNP Foundation, and Ko-Ph World Foundation.

“I invite everyone to watch the concert. Not only will you get a chance to watch Rain perform but our local artists as well. We will show everyone that Pinoys are world class talents. Plus, you get to be part of a good cause,” says Val John.